Conveyor idler seal apparatus, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

Seal assemblies for conveyor idler rolls are provided. In some embodiments, a plurality of subsets of seal components are selectively installable in the seal assembly. In some embodiments, one or more fins are included on a seal.

BACKGROUND

Conveyors such as belt conveyors are used to move material (e.g.,aggregate material) in various industries. Seals are sometimes includedin such conveyors, such as on idler rollers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an idler roll.

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the idler roll of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the idler roll of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a half-section view of the idler roll of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial half-section view of the idler roll ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a quarter-section view of the idler roll of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial half-section view of the idler roll ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial half-section view of another embodiment ofan idler roll.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial half-section view of another embodiment ofan idler roll.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial half-section view of another embodimentof an idler roll.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial half-section view of another embodimentof an idler roll.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial half-section view of another embodimentof an idler roll.

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of an exemplary idler roll assembly.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial half-section view of another embodimentof an idler roll.

DESCRIPTION

Conveyor idler seal apparatus are disclosed. Seal assemblies forconveyor idler rolls are provided. In some embodiments, a plurality ofsubsets of seal components (e.g., replaceable components) areselectively installable in the seal assembly. In some embodiments, oneor more fins are included on a seal (e.g., on a moving seal).

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-7illustrate an embodiment of an idler roll 10. The idler roll 10optionally includes a cylinder 12 (which may be referred to as a can orby other terminology) disposed to rotate about a shaft 14. In someembodiments, the cylinder 12 rolls a first bearing 16-1 and a secondbearing 16-2 (see FIG. 4) optionally disposed at generally opposite endsof the shaft 14. The bearings 16 optionally comprise ball bearingsincluding a plurality of balls 17 disposed between an inner and outerrace, the inner race rollingly contacting the shaft 14. In someembodiments, the idler roll 10 includes a first end disc 60-1 and secondend disc 60-2 disposed at generally opposing ends of the cylinder 12.Each end disc 60 is optionally mounted to (e.g., welded, press fit,fastened, formed as a part with) the cylinder 12. Each end disc 60optionally includes a flat annular region 62. Each end disc 60optionally includes an opening Ob (e.g., a central axial opening)disposed to receive the shaft 14 therethrough. Each end disc 60optionally includes a recess R (e.g., a central axial recess) configuredto at least partially receive the bearing 16 therein.

A seal assembly 200 is optionally disposed adjacent to each end disc 60.For example, seal assemblies 200-1, 200-2 are optionally disposedadjacent to the end discs 60-1, 60-2. In some embodiments, each sealassembly is optionally disposed between each end disc 60 and each end 15(e.g., ends 15-1, 15-2) of the shaft 14.

The seal assembly 200 optionally includes an external seal 240 (e.g., astationary seal). The external seal 240 is optionally made of plastic(e.g., nylon, Delrin, etc.) but may alternatively be made of metal orother material. An opening (e.g., central axial opening) of the externalseal 240 is optionally positioned (e.g., press-fit, mounted, locked,etc.) on the shaft 14. The seal assembly 200 optionally includes a seal100 (e.g., an internal seal). The seal 100 is optionally configured toretain one or more seals as described herein. The seal 100 is optionallymade of plastic (e.g., nylon, Delrin, etc.) but may alternatively bemade of metal or other material. The external seal 240 and seal 100 maybe made of the same material or of two different materials. A retainer250 (e.g., a retaining ring such as a snap ring, or other suitabledevice or structure) optionally retains the axial position of the sealassembly 200 and/or the bearing 16 along the shaft 14 (e.g., relative tothe end disc 60). An inboard end 144 of the seal 100 optionally contacts(and/or is adjacent to) the bearing 16.

In operation, a conveyor belt (e.g., conveyor belt 5) optionally travelsover the roll 10, optionally causing the cylinder 12 and end discs 60 torotate about the shaft 14 on bearings 16. In operation, the shaft 14optionally remains stationary (e.g., relative to its associated supportstructure such as one or more support stands). In operation, theexternal seal 240 optionally remains stationary while the seal 100rotates with the cylinder 12 (e.g., as a result of being press-fit intothe recess R, locked into a notch or groove, or otherwise constrained torotate with the end disc 60). The seal 100 is optionally press-fitagainst an annular portion 66 (e.g., a generally axially extendingportion) of the end disc 60.

Referring to FIG. 7, the seal assembly 200 is shown in more detailmounted to the end disc 60. In order to reach the bearing 16 fromoutside the roll 10, a liquid contaminant (e.g., water, a liquid mixtureincluding water and/or other materials, etc.) optionally enters a gap Gadisposed between a radially outer annular lip 248 and the end disc 60(e.g., a generally radially extending surface 64 thereof). The liquidcontaminant optionally next enters a gap Gb disposed between a radiallyinner annular lip 246 and the end disc 60 (e.g., the generally radiallyextending surface 64 thereof).

Unless otherwise contextually indicated, the terms “axial” or “axially”may be used herein to refer to a direction (or measurement along adirection) along which the shaft 14 extends (e.g., the direction Dashown in FIG. 4). Unless otherwise contextually indicated, the term“radial” or “radially” may be used herein to refer to a direction (ormeasurement along a direction) normal to the axial direction (e.g., thedirection Dr shown in FIG. 4).

The liquid contaminant optionally next enters a fill volume Vf. The fillvolume Vf is optionally partially bounded by an annular lip 110 (e.g., acurved annular lip) of the seal 100. The fill volume Vf is optionallypartially bounded by the end disc 60. The fill volume Vf is optionallypartially bounded by a radially outer annular wall 150 of the seal 100.Rotation of the seal 100 optionally causes rotation of the liquidcontaminant in the fill volume Vf. Rotation of the liquid contaminant inthe fill volume Vf optionally creates a centrifugal force whichoptionally tends to urge the liquid contaminant radially outwardly(e.g., out of gaps Gb and/or Ga).

The seal 100 optionally includes one or more fins 130. In someembodiments, a plurality of fins is circumferentially arranged about theannular wall 150 of the seal 100. Each fin 130 optionally extends intothe fill volume Vf. Each fin 130 optionally includes a chamfer surface132 extending between the annular lip 110 and the annular wall 150. Insome embodiments, each fin 130 fills a substantial portion (e.g., over5%, over 10%, over 20%, over 30%, over 40%, over 50%, over 60%) of aradial slice of the fill volume Vf (e.g., the area in the page as shownin FIG. 7).

In operation, each fin 130 optionally rotates with the seal 100 aboutthe shaft 14 while the end disc 60 optionally remains stationary. Therotational movement of the fin 130 (or plurality of fins) optionallytends to increase the rotational movement of liquid contaminant in thefill volume Vf and thus optionally tends to increase centrifugal forceimposed on the liquid contaminant in the fill volume Vf.

In the illustrated embodiment, each fin 130 includes generally radiallyextending side surfaces 134. In alternative embodiments, one or moreside surfaces 134 are angled relative to the radial direction (e.g.,backswept relative to the direction of rotation or forward-sweptrelative to the direction of rotation).

In alternative embodiments, one or more fins extending into the fillvolume Vf are mounted to the end disc 60 instead of or alternatively tothe fins 130 mounted to the seal 100.

Liquid contaminant optionally enters a channel Ca extending between theannular lip 110 of the seal 100 and an annular lip 245 (e.g., an annularwall, a curved annular wall, etc.) of the external seal 240. In someembodiments, liquid contaminant optionally enters the channel Ca after(e.g., only after) filling the fill volume Vf. The channel Ca optionallycomprises a curved annular channel.

Rotation of the seal 100 optionally causes rotation of the liquidcontaminant in the channel Ca. Rotation of the liquid contaminant in thechannel Ca optionally creates a centrifugal force which optionally tendsto urge the liquid contaminant radially outwardly (e.g., out of gaps Gband/or Ga).

The seal 100 optionally includes one or more fins 120. In someembodiments, a plurality of fins 120 (e.g., 120 a, etc.) iscircumferentially arranged about the annular lip 110 of the seal 100.Each fin 120 optionally extends into the channel Ca. Each fin 120 isoptionally attached to (e.g., formed as a part with) the annular lip110; in alternative embodiments, one or more fins are alternatively oradditionally attached to (e.g., formed as a part with) the inner surfaceof the lip 245. In some embodiments, each fin 120 fills a substantialportion (e.g., over 5%, over 10%, over 20%, over 30%, over 40%, over50%, over 60%) of a radial slice of the channel Ca (e.g., the area inthe page as shown in FIG. 7).

In operation, each fin 120 optionally rotates with the seal 100 aboutthe shaft 14 while the external seal 240 optionally remains stationary.The rotational movement of the fin 120 (or plurality of fins) optionallytends to increase the rotational movement of liquid contaminant in thechannel Ca and thus optionally tends to increase centrifugal forceimposed on the liquid contaminant in the fill volume Ca.

In the illustrated embodiment, each fin 120 optionally includesgenerally radially extending side surfaces. In alternative embodiments,one or more side surfaces of the fin 120 are angled relative to theradial direction (e.g., backswept relative to the direction of rotationor forward-swept relative to the direction of rotation).

Liquid contaminant optionally enters a channel Cb (e.g., a generallyaxially-extending annular channel). The channel Cb is optionally boundedat a radially outer end by the annular wall 150 of the seal 100. Thechannel Cb is optionally bounded at a radially inner end by an annularwall 244 of the external seal 240.

Liquid contaminant optionally enters a channel Cc (e.g., a generallyradially-extending annular channel). The channel Cc is optionallybounded at an axially inboard end by an annular wall 145 of the seal100. The channel Cc is optionally bounded at an axially outboard end byan inboard surface of the annular wall 244 of the external seal 240.

Liquid contaminant optionally enters a channel Cd (e.g., a generallyaxially-extending annular channel). The channel Cd is optionally boundedat a radially outer end by the annular wall 150 of the seal 100. Thechannel Cb is optionally bounded at a radially inner end by an annularwall 244 of the external seal 240.

Liquid contaminant optionally enters a disc volume Vd (e.g., a generallyradially-extending annular volume). The disc volume Vd optionallyextends between the annular wall 244 of the external seal 240 and aradially inner annular wall 242 of the external seal 240. In someimplementations, a disc 230 (e.g., a felt disc or an annular seal suchas a rubber seal) may be disposed in the disc volume. Liquid contaminantexiting the channel Cd optionally flows through the disc volume Vd(e.g., through the disc 230). The disc 230 is optionally retained inposition by the seals 100, 240 (e.g., by an outboard surface 141 of theannular wall 140, by an inboard surface 241 of an annular wall 243 ofthe seal 240, by the wall 244, and/or by the wall 242). In someembodiments, the seals 100, 240 optionally compress at least a portionof the disc 230. In other embodiments, the disc 230 is not compressed bythe seals 100, 240.

In some embodiments, an overflow volume Vo (e.g., an annular volume) isoptionally disposed outboard of the disc 230. A portion of the liquidcontaminant optionally enters the overflow volume after passing throughthe disc volume Vd (e.g., through the disc 230).

All or a portion of liquid contaminant passing through the disc volumeVd (e.g., through the disc 230) optionally enters a channel Ce (e.g., agenerally axially-extending annular channel). The channel Ce isoptionally bounded at a radially outer end by wall 140 and at a radiallyinner end by wall 242.

The channel Ce optionally includes one or more seal volumes Vsconfigured to optionally receive seals 220. The seals 220 may compriseannular seals (e.g., oil seals, o-rings, etc.). In an exemplaryembodiment described for illustrative purposes only, one or both of theseals 220 comprise a TRK radial oil seal available from Trelleborg Groupin Trelleborg, Sweden. Each seal 220 optionally comprises a ridgedsurface configured to frictionally engage the wall 140 of the seal 100.The seals 220 optionally rotate with the seal 100. Each seal optionallycomprises a resilient inner ring 224 configured to slidingly engage thewall 242. Each seal optionally comprises a resilient outer ring whichengages the wall 140.

In some embodiments, a first seal volume Vs-a optionally contains a seal220 a and a second seal volume Vs-b optionally contains a seal 220 b. Insuch embodiments, liquid contaminant optionally passes sequentially pastthe seal 220 b and then the seal 220 a.

In some embodiments, a protrusion 142 (e.g., an annular protrusion)extends at least partially between the first and second seal volumesVs-a, Vs-b. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 142 isattached to (e.g., formed as a part with) the wall 140. In alternativeembodiments, the protrusion 142 comprises a removable object (e.g., anannular object such as an o-ring). In alternative embodiments, aprotrusion is attached to (e.g., formed as a part with) the wall 242alternatively or additionally to the protrusion 142.

The seal assembly 200 optionally permits a user to selectively installall or a subset of a group of sealing components (e.g., the groupcomprising the seals 220 a, 220 b and the disc 230). The group ofsealing components may include replaceable sealing components and/orflexible sealing components. In a first example (as illustrated in FIG.7), the user may install both seals 220 a, 220 b on the seal 100 as wellas installing the disc 230 between the seal 100 and the external seal240. In a second example, the user may install a first subset of sealingcomponents comprising the seals 220 a, 220 b and optionally notincluding the disc 230. In a third example, the user may install asecond subset of sealing components comprising the seal 220 a and disc230 and optionally not including the seal 220 b. In a fourth example,the user may install a third subset of sealing components comprising theseal 220 b and disc 230 and optionally not including the seal 220 a. Ina fifth example, the user may install a fourth subset of sealingcomponents comprising the disc 230 and optionally not including theseals 220 a, 220 b. In a sixth example, the user may install a fifthsubset of sealing components comprising only one of the seals 220 a and220 b and optionally not including the disc 230. In a seventh example,the user may install a sixth subset of sealing components comprising thedisc 230 and optionally not including either of the seals 220 a, 220 b.

In some embodiments, the seal assembly 200 retains each component in thesubset of installed sealing components in the installed position withoutsealing components that are not in the subset of installed sealingcomponents. For example, the wall 140 and/or protrusion 142 optionallytend to retain one of the seals 220 a, 220 b in its axial positionregardless of whether the other seal 220 a, 220 b and/or the disc 230are installed. Likewise, the surfaces 141, 241 optionally tend to retainthe disc 230 in its axial position regardless of whether one, both orneither of the seals 220 a, 220 b are installed.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the seal 100optionally does not include fins 130, optionally resulting in a modifiedfill volume Vf′. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the seal 100 alsooptionally does not include fins 120, optionally resulting in a modifiedchannel Ca′.

The alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 is generally similar tothe embodiment of FIG. 8 in that the fins 120, 130 are omitted.Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, a modified wall 140′optionally does not include a protrusion 142, which optionally resultsin a modified seal volume Vs′. One or more seals 220 may be installed inthe modified seal volume Vs′.

The alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 is generally similarto the embodiment of FIG. 8 in that the fins 120, 130 are omitted.Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, a modified surface 241′forms a channel Cx instead of the disc volume Vd.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, a modified wall140′ optionally does not include a protrusion 142 and the modifiedchannel Ce′ optionally has a smaller radial height than the channel Ce.A seal 220 is optionally not installed in the modified channel Ce′ inthe embodiment of FIG. 11. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11optionally includes the fins 130.

The alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 is generally similarto the embodiment of FIG. 11. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the fins 120are optionally included. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the fins 130 areoptionally omitted.

Another embodiment of a seal assembly 1400 is illustrated in FIG. 14.The seal assembly 1400 includes an external seal 1410 and an internalseal 1430. The external seal 1410 is optionally stationary relative tothe shaft 14. For example, an inner annular surface 1416 of the externalseal 1410 is optionally mounted to (e.g., press-fit onto) the shaft 14.The internal seal 1430 is optionally mounted to (e.g., press-fit into)the end disc 60. Thus in some embodiments the internal seal 1430 rotatesrelative to the external seal 1410.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, the internal seal 1430 optionallyincludes an annular external wall 1432 which is optionally press-fitinto the end disc 60. The internal seal 1430 optionally includes anannular wall 1434 disposed radially inward of the annular external wall1432. The internal seal 1430 optionally includes an annular wall 1436disposed radially inward of the annular wall 1434.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, the external seal 1410 optionallyincludes an annular wall 1412 which optionally extends axially at leastpartially between wall 1432 and wall 1434. The external seal 1410optionally includes an annular wall 1414 which optionally extendsaxially at least partially between wall 1434 and wall 1436. The wall1416 is optionally disposed at least partially radially inward of thewall 1436.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, the wall 1436 optionally cooperates withthe shaft 14 to at least partially define one or more annular voids Wa,Wb. The voids Wa, Wb are optionally configured to selectively receiveone or more sealing elements 220 a, 220 b, respectively therein.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, the walls 1412, 1434, and 1414optionally cooperate to define an annular void Wd. The void Wd isoptionally configured to receive a sealing element 230′ (e.g., a discwhich may be made of felt or other material, or in other embodiments arubber seal). For example, in some embodiments, the void Wd optionallyincludes an upper and lower surface which are substantially parallel. Insome embodiments, the void Wd optionally includes an outboard surfacewhich is substantially normal to the parallel upper and lower surfacesof the void Wd. In some embodiments, an annular void Wc is optionally atleast partially defined between the walls 1414, 1436, 1416. In someembodiments, a sealing element is optionally selectively installable inthe annular void Wc.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, a retaining ring 250 is optionallysupported on the shaft 14. The retaining ring 250 is optionally disposedaxially between the internal seal 1430 and the bearing. In otherembodiments, the retaining ring 250 is disposed outboard of the externalseal 1410.

One or more rolls incorporating the seal and seal assembly embodimentsdescribed herein may be incorporated in a conveyor. In an exemplaryimplementation provided for illustrative purposes only, the rolls may beincluded in a conveyor 1300 illustrated in FIG. 13. The conveyor 1300optionally includes a plurality of idler assemblies 1320 (e.g., equaltroughing idlers as illustrated, impact idlers, offset center rollidlers, channel mount low profile idlers, feeder/picking idlers, unequaltroughing idlers, garland idlers, return belt idlers, return idlers,return rolls, self-aligning idlers, self-aligning return idlers, flatcarrier idlers, rubber cushion flat carrier idlers, live shaft rollers,variable pitch idlers, V-return idlers, or wire rope idlers, amongothers), some or all of which optionally incorporate the seal and/orseal assemblies described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, theshaft 14 (e.g., 14 a, 14 b, 14 c) of each roll 10 (e.g., 10 a, 10 b, 10c) is optionally supported by an end stand 1322 (e.g., 1322-1, 1322-2)and/or by a center stand 1324 (e.g., 1324 a, 1324 b). The end stands andcenter stands are optionally supported by a base 1325. Each idlerassembly 1320 is optionally supported by one or more supports 1310(e.g., 1310-1, 1310-2) which optionally extend along the length of theconveyor. The conveyor belt 5 optionally contacts the idler assembly1320 such that the rolls 10 optionally rotate as the conveyor belt 5moves (e.g., into the page or out of the page in FIG. 13). The conveyorbelt 5 may be driven for conveyance by a component such as a driven headpulley (not shown). In various embodiments, the conveyor incorporatingthe seals and/or seal assemblies described herein may share features orfunctionality with the conveyor embodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.9,156,617; 5,515,961; and 6,349,819, each of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

Any ranges recited herein are intended to inclusively recite all valueswithin the range provided in addition to the maximum and minimum rangevalues. Headings used herein are simply for convenience of the readerand are not intended to be understood as limiting or used for any otherpurpose.

Although various embodiments have been described above, the details andfeatures of the disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limiting,as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to thoseof skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure isintended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations andmodifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims andtheir equivalents. For example, any feature described for one embodimentmay be used in any other embodiment.

1. (canceled)
 2. A seal assembly for use with an idler roll having anend disc, a bearing, and an idler shaft extending in a generally axialdirection, the seal assembly comprising: an internal seal, said internalseal comprising: a first annular internal seal wall; and a secondannular internal seal wall, said second annular internal seal wallhaving an internal seal wall annular inner surface and an annularoutboard surface; an external seal, said external seal comprising: afirst annular external seal wall, said first annular external seal wallhaving an external seal wall annular inner surface; and a second annularexternal seal wall, said second annular external seal having an inboardsurface, wherein an inboard portion of said internal seal wall annularinner surface at least partially defines a first annular sealing elementvolume, said first annular sealing element volume being configured toselectively receive a first annular sealing element therein, wherein anoutboard portion of said internal seal wall annular inner surface atleast partially defines a second annular sealing element volume, saidsecond annular sealing element volume being configured to selectivelyreceive a second annular sealing element therein, wherein said annularoutboard surface of said second annular internal seal wall, said inboardsurface of said second annular external seal wall, and said externalseal wall annular inner surface cooperate to at least partially define athird annular sealing element volume, said third annular sealing elementvolume being configured to selectively receive a third annular sealingelement therein.
 3. The seal assembly of claim 2, further comprising: anannular protrusion disposed axially between said inboard portion of saidinternal seal wall annular inner surface and said outboard portion ofsaid internal seal wall annular inner surface.
 4. The seal assembly ofclaim 2, wherein said first and second annular sealing elements compriserubber seals.
 5. The seal assembly of claim 3, wherein said thirdannular sealing element comprises a felt disc.
 6. The seal assembly ofclaim 2, wherein said third annular sealing element comprises a feltdisc.
 7. The seal assembly of claim 2, wherein said first and secondannular sealing element volumes are at least partially defined by theidler shaft.
 8. The seal assembly of claim 2, wherein said third annularsealing element volume is at least partially defined by the idler shaft.9. The seal assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a third annularexternal seal wall, said third annular external seal wall extendinggenerally in the axial direction, said first annular external seal wallhaving an external seal wall outer surface, wherein said first andsecond annular sealing element volumes are at least partially defined bysaid external seal wall outer surface.
 10. The seal assembly of claim 2,wherein said internal seal further comprises an internal seal annularlip, said internal seal annular lip at least partially defining a fillvolume, said fill volume being disposed at least partially between saidinternal seal annular lip and the end disc, and wherein said externalseal further comprises an external seal annular lip, said external sealannular lip and said internal seal annular lip cooperating to at leastpartially define an annular channel therebetween.
 11. The seal assemblyof claim 10, further comprising: a first plurality of fins arrangedcircumferentially on said internal seal, each of said first plurality offins extending into said fill volume.
 12. The seal assembly of claim 11,further comprising: a second plurality of fins arrangedcircumferentially on said internal seal, each of said second pluralityof fins extending into said annular channel.
 13. The seal assembly ofclaim 11, further comprising: a first plurality of fins arrangedcircumferentially on said internal seal, each of said first plurality offins extending into said fill volume.
 14. A seal assembly for use withan idler roll supported on an idler shaft extending along an axialdirection, the seal assembly comprising: an internal seal; an externalseal, wherein at least one of said internal seal and said external sealat least partially define each of a first annular sealing elementvolume, a second annular sealing element volume, and a third annularsealing element volume; a first annular sealing element selectivelyinstallable in said first annular sealing element volume; a secondannular sealing element selectively installable in said second annularsealing element volume; and a third annular sealing element selectivelyinstallable in said third annular sealing element volume, whereby theseal assembly has a first plurality of configurations in which only oneof said first, second and third annular sealing elements are installed,whereby the seal assembly has a second plurality of configurations inwhich only two of said first, second and third annular sealing elementsare installed, whereby the seal assembly has a fully installedconfiguration in which said first, second and third annular sealingelements are installed.
 15. The seal assembly of claim 14, furthercomprising: an annular protrusion supported on one of said external sealand said internal seal.
 16. The seal assembly of claim 14, wherein saidfirst and second annular sealing elements comprise rubber seals.
 17. Theseal assembly of claim 16, wherein said third annular sealing elementcomprises a felt disc.
 18. The seal assembly of claim 14, wherein saidthird annular sealing element comprises a felt disc.
 19. The sealassembly of claim 14, wherein said internal seal further comprises aninternal seal annular lip, said internal seal annular lip at leastpartially defining a fill volume, and wherein said external seal furthercomprises an external seal annular lip, said external seal annular lipand said internal seal annular lip cooperating to at least partiallydefine an annular channel therebetween.
 20. The seal assembly of claim19, further comprising: a first plurality of fins arrangedcircumferentially on said internal seal, each of said first plurality offins extending into said fill volume.
 21. The seal assembly of claim 19,further comprising: a second plurality of fins arrangedcircumferentially on one of said internal seal and said external seal,each of said second plurality of fins extending into said annularchannel.
 22. A method of assembling a seal assembly in one of aplurality of configurations for use with an idler roll supported on anidler shaft, the method comprising: installing an internal seal, saidinternal seal at least partially defining one or more of a first,second, and third annular sealing element volumes; installing anexternal seal, said external seal at least partially defining one ormore of a first, second, and third annular sealing element volumes;installing a set of annular sealing elements, the set comprising atleast one of a first, second and third annular sealing element.
 23. Theseal assembly of claim 22, wherein said first and second annular sealingelements comprise rubber seals.
 24. The seal assembly of claim 23,wherein said third annular sealing element comprises a felt disc. 25.The seal assembly of claim 22, wherein said third annular sealingelement comprises a felt disc.
 26. The seal assembly of claim 22,wherein said internal seal further comprises an internal seal annularlip, said internal seal annular lip at least partially defining a fillvolume, and wherein said external seal further comprises an externalseal annular lip, said external seal annular lip and said internal sealannular lip cooperating to at least partially define an annular channeltherebetween.
 27. The seal assembly of claim 26, further comprising:rotating a plurality of fins on said internal seal relative to saidexternal seal.
 28. The seal assembly of claim 27, wherein said pluralityof fins are attached to said internal seal annular lip.
 29. The sealassembly of claim 27, wherein said plurality of fins are disposedadjacent to said external seal.